Best bank/credit union

Why? People in the Capital Region like to put their money with local institutions. And in an area dominated by state government, it makes sense that SEFCU, which started as a credit union for state employees, received the top rating. SEFCU has 30 branches within 50 miles of Albany and it is extremely involved in local community events and also has the naming rights to the basketball arena at the University at Albany, making it one of the best-recognized brands in the area. And typically SEFCU has pretty good rates for its members and for those who still like to do their banking in person, its employees are always helpful and friendly. Plus, the backlash against big banks and their role in the mortgage crisis helps, which is why Capital Communications was also a popular choice. TrustCo Bank is one of the region’s stalwarts, and it is proud to say it never took any federal bailout money.

28 Responses

I agree with The Dude^. I think the point here is that Credit Unions are the way to go. I also didn’t like SEFCUs ATM update but I looked in to it and it was to comply with new Federal regulations. But stop being tacky and nit picking over thing like free coffee and which way the door swings at your local branch. Look at the bigger picture. Credit Unions like SEFCU give MILLIONS bank to hundreds of different charities. So you aren’t only looking out for your own well being by going with a credit union, but also helping out other people in need.

It looks like the public is just loyal to the local financial institutions. SEFCU CAP COM and Trustco should all be proud of their accomplishments.My whole family are members of SEFCU and they have been fantastic to us. I have friends who love CAP COM too. This Best of poll is meant to be fun not to put one institution after another.Congrats to all!

I believe that SEFCU got “BEST OF” because of there work with the community. SEFCU goes above and beyond for their members. They have fundraiser ever month for all sort of different events, for example they just finished raising money for the Northeast Kidney Foundation (“I Love My Kidney’s”). Also, to the people who don’t want SEFCU to be friendly and develop a member relationships TO BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!! SEFCU prides themselves on providing great service and getting to know everyone by name and knowing a little bit about them to provide the best service possible. YAY for SEFCU!!!!!

To be quite honest, I find that downing other financial institutions just because they didn’t have quick service or free coffee is ridiculous. Everyone wants something for nothing and don’t have the decency to look at the details.
You shouldn’t be bitter when someone is asking you how your day is going or wondering what your weekend plans are. It is a way to establish a member and business relationship with you so that you may feel confident and comfortable where you do your banking. By doing so, you become a person to them that they call by name, and they become familiar with your banking preferences.
Also, you can’t expect a branch to not be just A LITTLE bit busy when you go in to do transactions 30 minutes before they close. So expect to wait in a line.
On a side note, putting the blame on a financial institution for denying you a loan or mortagage is words in the wrong direction. Let us not forget here; people nowadays do not have the best credit, so just because one financial institution couldn’t do something for you, does not mean that they didn’t go out of their way and try.
In general, credit unions all deserve a round of applause. They go out of their way for their community by donating and volunteering their time and their members by keeping rates low, fees minimal and service acceptional. SEFCU clearly has done so for years in a row and lead by example. Others should follow and learn from them instead of complaining about issues that are to be irrelevant.

I Love Sefcu…. It is the greatest Company I have ever worked for(5yrs still going strong)..They are great with their Employees As Well as Our Members..We do our best to Wow Our Members and keep them pleased so they can keep coming back and doing buisness with us…Congrats to all Employees and Our Members “Without You Guys We Would Have Not Made it”…